Feeding!

[jodssukari1]

Hiya very new to this so apologies if i have done this completely wrong!

I am also new to horse owning although i have shared, loaned, worked and been around horses for about 12 years. I have never had to decide what a horse is to eat though!

I have recently brought a 6 year old hackney x welsh d 15.2hh mare. She is quite chunky although has very fine legs.

She is overweight and unfit and i was wondering what you think i should feed her? She will be getting exercised 6 times a week for at least half and hour. Ranging from hacking, schooling, lunging, pole work and jumping.

She is currently on 3 haynets a day (as she doesn't have much grass) and a scoop and a half of happy hoof. Any ideas? She has a fine coat and is in good condition but any other supplements you would recommend feeding getting?

Can post picture if needed!

Thank you! X

 

[xxRachelxx]

Saracen do a product called Shape Up. It is a mix but it is all fibre ingredients, no cereals like you would find in a traditional mix. It also has ingredients that help to increase metabolism if the horse is in work and therefore helps pony to lose weight. I think it is a balncer so you don't need to feed much of it. It's worth having a look on their website for more info.

If your not keen on that idea you could feed a low calorie chaff (ie Hi-Fi Lite) and a low calorie balancer like Baileys Lo cal

Or their is also the pure feeds range which are low starch and sugar

Lots of options! Hope that helps

 

[jodssukari1]

Thank you for your reply Rachel!

I have read up on the lo cal and am liking the sound of it. I am looking for her to have a bit more energy though will this give her a little bit of ompf as well?

Sorry should've specified this earlier!!

Thanks again.

 

[MillionDollar]

Omph will only come when the weight comes off and she gets fitter, you can't create it with feed.

I would feed her a few handfuls of Hi-Fi Lite with 365 Complete until the weight is off, then you can re-assess.

 

[AngieandBen]

Omph will only come when the weight comes off and she gets fitter, you can't create it with feed.

I would feed her a few handfuls of Hi-Fi Lite with 365 Complete until the weight is off, then you can re-assess.

This, or better still Dengie Hi Fi Molasses Free

Exercise is really the only way of getting weight off, make her sweat!